Hevrdejs & Conklin INC.

Dennis Franz In Movie Mode After Emmy Win

September 13, 1996|By Judy Hevrdejs and Mike Conklin.

Talked the other day with Dennis Franz, the pride of Maywood, and once the congrats for his second Emmy were out of the way, INC. wanted to know what to expect from Andy Sipowicz and "NYPD Blue" this season. He took the 5th on any specifics, but added, "We're starting out with a couple twists."

Franz was eager to talk about his new movie, "American Buffalo," and his co-star, Dustin Hoffman. Of the movie based on the David Mamet play: "This is for people who like small films that are basically adult-oriented, thought-provoking. It's not for a popcorn-eating, Coke-drinking crowd." And what about Hoffman? "Such an entertaining guy and loaded with fascinating stories."

His biggest challenge was the dialogue. "It's one of the more difficult scripts I've had to memorize. It's all dialogue, and not just normal dialogue--it's stylized," he said. "The temptation is to paraphrase, but you break up the beautiful rhythm he's built in."

Johnny B, unplugged: Listeners to Jonathon Brandmeier's show Thursday were treated to an on-air feud between Jon and Phoenix's KZZP-FM, a station that's been part of his network since April. It ended with the station's pulling the plug. Turns out KZZP has been editing the show, which originates here at WLUP-WMVP, by inserting music whenever it thought he was "too Chicago." This, said Jon, interfered with listener interaction.

At one point, he wanted Arizona callers to put phones on their radios so he could hear what was being aired in Phoenix. "I don't know how it's going to turn out," he told us, "but the sad part is Phoenix listeners were just catching on to us." The kicker--Brandmeier once worked in Phoenix with KZZP boss Paul Talbott, the guy who pulled the plug.

More airwaves: Steve Dahl without long-time sidekicks Laura Witek and Lane Closure? A WCKG-FM source confirmed they were let go Wednesday by Dahl, who's their employer (not the station).

Irish eyes: A little more than a year after his divorce, ex-Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps is expected in Chicago this week with Significant Other Monica Mancini, daughter of Henry Mancini. Phelps is in talks to do a book, "Basketball for Dummies," something many fans think he's qualified to write.

Pol watch: Here's a tough turn for Dick Devine: the Chicago Federation of Labor decided to stay neutral in the state's attorney's race despite endorsing Dems in most other races. . . . City Hall reporter Jack Beary of the Daily Southtown has joined Cook County Board President John Stroger's staff.

All wet: While the Illinois football team is in Arizona this weekend, maybe workers at Memorial Stadium can fix that leak in the awning above university President James Stukel's crowded box. We hear the seats that Stukel and Gov. Jim Edgar were in were so positioned that they needed an umbrella during an early deluge--followed, of course, by Southern Cal's deluge against the Illini.

Short takes: What was the first impression the audience had of Marcia Clark Thursday when she spoke at Hinshaw & Culbertson? Probably that she's short. In fact, Clark started her address by saying that that's what impresses everyone when they meet her for the first time after viewing the O.J. Simpson trial. But then Clark drew a big laugh at her "Women for Achievement" series speech by adding: "The men were the shrimps." It was her only Simpson trial reference.

EAVESDROPPING

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